PUNE – In the wake of tragic accidents in Pune, families of the victims are raising poignant questions about justice and humanity. Following a recent incident where Aarti was tragically killed by a concrete mixer truck near the Kothrud bus station, her father, Suresh Manwani, expressed his deep disappointment with the justice system. “It’s unfortunate that people think I ran to Dubai because I had to… I did not run away,” he lamented. He voiced a collective frustration, questioning, “Are we losing our humanity? What does justice even mean?”
In another tragic event, Geetanjali Amarale lost her life due to a drunken driver’s negligence. Her husband, Shrikant Amarale, shared his grief, stating, “This accident has shattered my family. No one can replace a mother’s love.” He emphasized the need for collective efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
Calls for Stricter Regulations on Heavy Vehicles
The recent accidents have sparked public outcry for stricter regulations on heavy vehicles in urban areas. Pune residents are advocating for solutions rather than bans, suggesting measures such as better lighting for roads, mandatory training for heavy vehicle drivers, and specific operating hours to minimize risks. Ajay Bhagwat from Kothrud stated, “Heavy vehicles are inevitable in cities. We need to consider innovative solutions like special lights for these vehicles and stringent training for drivers.”
Sanjay Kale added, “We need capable laws to punish drunk drivers and ensure our roads are safe.” He highlighted the necessity for brighter streetlights and prompt repairs of potholes to prevent accidents.
Public Awareness and Accountability
Local citizens are calling for increased accountability among heavy vehicle drivers. Manohar Joshi, a resident of Suncity Road, proposed that heavy vehicle operations should be limited to specific nighttime hours to reduce congestion during peak times. “By controlling vehicle speeds and ensuring driver credentials are verified, we can make our roads safer,” he said.
Retired police officer Shirishkumar Gandhi echoed this sentiment, stating, “Despite signage prohibiting heavy vehicles in city areas, violations continue unchecked. It’s crucial to uncover who is allowing this negligence.”
Community Engagement and Technological Solutions
To enhance safety, residents are encouraged to report heavy vehicles operating during restricted hours using dedicated apps, ensuring that authorities can take swift action. Rahul Daithankar suggested that citizens should document and report violations via social media to facilitate police intervention.
Lastly, Shivaji Manohar Pardhe from Sasane Nagar emphasized the need for more traffic police presence in accident-prone areas to deter reckless driving. “Increased visibility of traffic enforcement can make a significant difference in our city’s road safety.”
